Perf adapts to dirt in Autumn Leaves

Perf, a 3-year-old filly whose only two previous victories came on the synthetic Tapeta surface at Presque Isle Downs, relished the switch to real dirt at Mountaineer Racetrack.

Stepping up to stakes company for the first time while still eligible for a second-level allowance, Perf ($19.40) outdueled 4-5 favorite Hungry Tigress through the stretch to score a six-length victory in Tuesday night's $75,000 Autumn Leaves Stakes for fillies and mares.

Ridden for the first time by Jesus Barria, Perf earned a career-best 94 Beyer Speed Figure for covering 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:44.28.

Although she was 0 for 3 lifetime on dirt coming into the stakes, Perf had hinted she might be sitting on a big race by working a pair of four-furlong bulets at Thistledown for trainer Gerald Bennett within the past two weeks.

Hungry Tigress, who briefly took the lead coming into the stretch before giving way to Perf, easily held second, 9 3/4 lengths in front of Valley Loot in the field of six.